Welcome to our 75th issue. The importance of adoption has long been a critical aspect of our agenda, and in this issue, we showcase innovative sheltering programs. We first covered the plight of satos, stray dogs of Puerto Rico, 10 years ago, and it’s encouraging to learn that progress is being made by groups like Pets Alive Puerto Rico. John Woestendiek examines college programs that reward students for fostering dogs and cats in their dorm rooms, and David Grimm takes us a on a visit to a unique Louisiana prison-shelter program. Elaine Sichel, prizewinner in our humor-writing contest, also perfectly complements this theme; in a lighthearted way, she makes it clear that we’re the winners when we adopt shelter dogs. Jennifer Senski, who is doing her PhD dissertation on the state of sheltering[2], puts out a call to the shelter community for assistance with data collection.

On other fronts, in “Body Language,” Jane Brackman considers the ways dated and misapplied definitions have been used to set breed standards, and Karen London tells us why it’s important that dogs learn to focus. Plus we discover that autumn is the perfect time to visit Minnesota’s scenic Highway 61, with a drive along Lake Superior. Pieces on the value of probiotics, a recipe for homemade kibble, a home-visiting vet and the ways dog “germs” make our homes healthier round out the issue. We also have some great book picks that will help us learn more about how smart our dogs truly can be—and a new collection from our favorite poet, Mary Oliver. Without further ado, then, I invite you to subscribe to The Bark[3] or get your copy of the fall issue[4], dig in and enjoy the reading.

Features:
Porch Dogs: Photographs celebrating Southern Dogs. By Nell Dickerson
Animals Among the Inmates: A prison shelter program. By David Grimm
The Gut: The Key to Health. By W. Jean Dodds, DVM
Dogs as Kids: New research redefines parenting. By Karen London, PhD
Fostering Good Habits in College: Schools welcoming second chance dogs. By John Woestendiek
Body Language: Breed standards and the words that define them. By Jane Brackman, PhD
Best Boy: An essay about a lost and found dog. By Carrie Friedman
EndPiece: Letter to an Adoptable Dog. By Elaine Sichel